CN101321470A - Method and apparatus for dispensing slush beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing a beverage comprising a liquid beverage portion and a frozen beverage portion. The apparatus comprises means for dispensing a liquid beverage portion into the container, means (102) for freezing a portion of the beverage to provide a frozen beverage portion and means (104, 104') for dispensing the frozen beverage portion into the container. The invention also provides a method for dispensing frozen beverage portions by providing one or more cooling chambers (102) cooled by cooling means, supplying at least one cooling chamber with a portion of beverage, freezing the portion of beverage to Providing at least one beverage frozen beverage portion, and ejecting a frozen beverage portion from its cooling chamber is performed.

Description

Method and apparatus for dispensing slush beverages

technical field

The present invention relates to a method and a device for dispensing beverages, in particular carbonated beverages. Most preferably, the beverage is an alcoholic beverage, such as in particular cider or beer.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing frozen beverage portions, the apparatus comprising:

- means for freezing a portion of a beverage to provide a frozen beverage portion; and

- Means for dispensing frozen beverage portions to containers.

The means for freezing a portion of the beverage is preferably one or more cooling chambers cooled by cooling means. Preferably, the or each cooling chamber is dimensioned to be able to cool enough beverage to form a frozen beverage portion for a single serving only, i.e. the or each cooling chamber has the The volume of the frozen drink portion is comparable in volume. Preferably there are multiple cooling chambers. More preferably, there are a plurality of cooling chambers, each for freezing a portion of the beverage, to form a portion of frozen beverage sufficient for only a single dispensing, ie for adding to only a single container, such as a pint glass.

The or each cooling chamber has an opening through which the frozen beverage portion can be expelled. The or each opening may be provided with a sealing member to seal the opening when not dispensing. Biasing means may also be provided to bias the sealing member towards/away from the opening.

The or each cooling chamber may be substantially arched in shape. The radius of curvature of the cooling chamber can be constant or variable. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the cooling chamber increases (preferably gradually) towards the opening.

The section through the cooling chamber in the radial direction may, for example, be substantially circular, substantially rectangular or substantially isosceles trapezoidal. The area of the section through the cooling chamber in radial direction may be constant along the arc or preferably may increase (preferably gradually) towards the opening. This facilitates the dispensing of frozen beverage portions.

The inside of the one or more cooling chambers may be clad in a low friction (non-stick) layer, such as a fluorocarbon coating such as PTFE, to further facilitate dispensing of the frozen beverage portion.

Any number of cooling chambers can be provided. In some embodiments, there may be four cooling chambers. In other embodiments, there may be six or seven cooling chambers.

The apparatus may also include a flow meter for measuring the amount of beverage supplied to the one or more cooling chambers. The flow meter may include a magnetic turbine that rotates as the beverage portion for freezing flows through it and a Hall effect sensor that detects the rotating magnetic field and converts it into digital pulses.

The cooling device can be, for example, a Peltier element connected to a heat receiver, a refrigeration system, a flash cooler, pipes/ The channel system, the refrigerant can be supplied by the beverage cooling system or by a special cooler. Most preferably, the cooling means comprises a pipe/channel system for conveying glycol or glycol/water.

In a preferred embodiment, the glycol or glycol/water flow in the cooling unit is controllable and can be stopped so that the temperature of the walls of the cooling chamber increases slowly (by heat transfer from the surrounding environment) to avoid The frozen beverage portion becomes too solidified to be expelled.

The means for dispensing frozen beverage portions preferably comprises at least one element for mechanically applying force to the frozen beverage in the one or more cooling chambers. The or each element is preferably a plunger or piston which can apply force to the frozen beverage to push it out of the one or more cooling chambers.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may be provided with at least one stop operable to limit movement of the or each element such that only a portion of the frozen beverage portion is expelled from the one or more cooling chambers. For example, if the or each cooling chamber is dimensioned so that the volume of the frozen beverage portion in the cooling chamber is only sufficient for the dispensing of a single pint, then the or each stopper may act to provide a pint when half a pint is required. Only half of the volume of the cooling chamber is allowed to be allocated when off-allocation.

In some embodiments, each cooling chamber is provided with dedicated elements. In an alternative embodiment, there is a single element movable between multiple cooling chambers.

One possible element is an element forming the movable base of the cooling chamber. The movable base forms a sealing engagement against the lowest point of the cooling chamber, preventing leakage when the beverage portion for freezing is introduced. To dispense the frozen beverage portion, the movable base can be moved towards the opening of the cooling chamber to push the beverage out of the cooling chamber through the opening. Preferably, each of the one or more cooling chambers is provided with such an element.

An alternative element that may be used is a pivoting plunger that is located outside the cooling chamber prior to dispensing the frozen beverage portion and is pivotable toward the opening of the cooling chamber to sweep through the cooling chamber to remove the frozen beverage portion from the cooling chamber. roll out. Preferably there is a single pivoting plunger which is movable between the cooling chambers.

Additionally, the means for dispensing the frozen beverage portion may further comprise means for providing reduced size particles of the frozen beverage portion.

Preferably, the means for providing particles of reduced size is a sheet having one or more holes positioned adjacent to an opening of the cooling chamber through which the frozen beverage is forced out by said at least one element. The sheet may for example be a grate, a grate or a net.

Preferably, the apparatus is for dispensing a frozen beverage portion and a liquid beverage portion, and further comprising means for dispensing the liquid beverage portion into the container.

The means for dispensing the liquid beverage portion into the container is preferably a tap mounted on the bar top dispensing structure.

The means for freezing a portion of the beverage and the means for dispensing the frozen beverage portion are preferably accommodated in a dispensing structure. Most preferably, they are housed in said dispensing structure supporting means for dispensing the liquid beverage portion, such as a tap. The means for dispensing the liquid beverage portion and the frozen beverage portion can be positioned closely so that both beverage portions can be dispensed without moving the container.

The container may be a measuring cup containing indicia indicating the desired volumetric proportions of the cup. The desired liquid volume ratio may be 50%-99%, preferably 85%-95%.

Here, the term "measuring cup" is used to denote a cup having a known volume. These cups are very common in mass households (similar places) and any pint or half pint cup etc. is a measuring cup.

The invention also relates to a device as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing frozen beverage portions, the method comprising:

- provide one or more cooling chambers cooled by cooling means;

- feeding a portion of the beverage to at least one of said cooling chambers;

- freezing the portion of beverage to provide at least one frozen beverage portion; and

- ejecting one of said at least one frozen beverage portion from its cooling chamber.

Preferably the or each cooling chamber is dimensioned to be able to cool a portion of the beverage to form a frozen beverage portion for a single dispense only, i.e. the or each cooling chamber has the same The volume of the frozen drink portion is comparable in volume. Preferably there are multiple cooling chambers. More preferably, there are a plurality of cooling chambers, each for freezing a portion of the beverage, to form a portion of frozen beverage sufficient for only a single dispensing, ie for adding to only a single container, such as a pint glass.

The or each cooling chamber has an opening through which the frozen beverage portion may be expelled. The or each opening may be provided with sealing means to seal the opening when not dispensing. Biasing means may also be provided to bias the sealing member towards/away from the opening.

The or each cooling chamber may be substantially arched in shape. The radius of curvature of the cooling chamber can be constant or variable. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the cooling chamber increases (preferably gradually) towards the opening.

The section through the cooling chamber in the radial direction may, for example, be substantially circular, substantially rectangular or substantially isosceles trapezoidal. The area of the section through the cooling chamber in radial direction may be constant along the arc or preferably may increase (preferably gradually) towards the opening. This facilitates the ejection of the frozen beverage portion.

The inside of the one or more cooling chambers may be clad in a low friction (non-stick) layer, such as a fluorocarbon coating such as Teflon (RTM), to further facilitate ejection of the frozen beverage portion.

Any number of cooling chambers can be provided. In some embodiments, there may be four cooling chambers. In other embodiments, there may be six or seven cooling chambers.

The cooling means may for example be a Peltier element connected to a heat receiver, a refrigeration system, a refrigerant such as water and/or glycol, which may be supplied from a beverage cooling system or from a dedicated cooler. Most preferably, the cooling means comprises a pipe/channel system for conveying glycol or glycol/water.

In a preferred embodiment, the glycol or glycol/water flow in the cooling unit is controllable and can be stopped so that the temperature of the walls of the cooling chamber increases slowly (by heat transfer from the surrounding environment) to avoid The frozen beverage portion becomes too solidified to be expelled.

Preferably, at least one cooling chamber is supplied with the beverage portion for freezing under line pressure of the beverage dispensing system and/or under the force of gravity. Preferably the beverage portion is fed such that it runs down the wall of the cooling chamber to avoid foaming. Preferably the flow of beverage into the or each cooling chamber is measured by a flow meter comprising a magnetic turbine and a Hall effect sensor.

Ejecting the frozen beverage portion involves the use of an ejecting device preferably comprising at least one element for mechanically applying force (pushing) the frozen beverage in one or more cooling chambers. The or each element is preferably a plunger or piston which can apply force to the frozen beverage to push it out of the one or more cooling chambers.

In some embodiments, the ejection of the frozen beverage portion may be limited by at least one stop which may act to limit movement of the or each element such that only a portion of the frozen beverage portion is removed from one or more Discharge from the cold compartment. For example, if the or each cooling chamber is dimensioned so that the volume of the frozen beverage portion in the cooling chamber is only sufficient for the dispensing of a single pint, then the or each stopper may act to provide a full pint when a half pint is required. When dispensing, only half of the volume of the cold chamber is allowed to be dispensed.

In some embodiments, each cooling chamber is provided with dedicated elements. In an alternative embodiment, there is a single element movable between multiple cooling chambers.

One possible element is an element forming the movable base of the cooling chamber. The or each movable base forms a sealing engagement against the lowest point of its respective cooling chamber, preventing leakage when the beverage portion for freezing is introduced. To eject the frozen beverage portion, the movable base is movable towards the opening of the cooling chamber to push the frozen beverage out of the cooling chamber through the opening. Preferably, each cooling chamber is provided with such an element.

An alternative element that may be used is a pivoting plunger that is located outside the cooling chamber prior to dispensing the beverage portion and is pivotable toward the opening of the cooling chamber to sweep through the cooling chamber to remove the frozen beverage portion from the cooling chamber. roll out. Preferably there is a single pivoting plunger which is movable between the cooling chambers.

Additionally, ejecting the frozen beverage portion may also include reducing the particle size of the frozen beverage portion. This can be achieved using a thin plate with one or more holes positioned adjacent to the opening of the cooling chamber through which the frozen beverage is pressed out by the at least one element. The sheet may for example be a grate, a grate or a net.

Preferably, the method further comprises providing means for dispensing the liquid beverage portion and dispensing the liquid beverage portion. The means for dispensing the liquid beverage portion is preferably a tap mounted on the bar top dispensing structure.

The cooling chamber and discharge means are preferably arranged in the distribution structure. Most preferably, they are provided in a dispensing structure supporting means for dispensing the liquid beverage portion, such as a tap. The means for dispensing the liquid beverage portion and the discharge means can be arranged close together so that both beverage portions can be dispensed without moving the container.

Liquid beverage and frozen beverage portions can be dispensed in any order. For example, the expelled frozen beverage portion may be dispensed into a container containing a liquid beverage portion. Dispensing the frozen beverage portion provides a layer of substantially frozen beverage - in the form of a beverage head - on top of the previously dispensed liquid beverage. Alternatively, the frozen beverage portion is drained into an empty container, and the liquid beverage portion is subsequently added. In this case, when the liquid beverage is dispensed, the frozen beverage portion will rise to the top of the container to form a beverage head. In another alternative, the frozen beverage portion is ejected into the container substantially simultaneously with the liquid beverage portion, or the frozen beverage portion is ejected into a partially dispensed liquid beverage portion (e.g., 70% of the liquid beverage portion volume), then dispense the remaining liquid beverage portion.

Preferably, one or both of the liquid beverage portion and/or the frozen beverage portion are alcoholic beverages. Also preferably, the liquid beverage portion and the frozen beverage portion comprise the same beverage, such as cider or beer.

The liquid beverage portion and/or the frozen beverage portion may contain an alcohol content of 0.05%-14%, preferably 2%-8%.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a beverage dispensing system comprising:

- one or more structures for dispensing the liquid beverage portion and the frozen beverage portion into the container; and

- a beverage supply (source) to one or more structures which may be split to provide a liquid beverage portion and a beverage portion for freezing to provide a frozen beverage portion;

- wherein the liquid beverage portion and the frozen beverage portion can be dispensed into the container.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing a beverage, the method comprising:

- dispensing the liquid portion of the water-based beverage into the container; and

-Dispensing the frozen portion of the water-based beverage into the container.

Preferably, one or both of the liquid beverage portion and/or the frozen beverage portion are alcoholic beverages. It is also preferred that the liquid beverage portion and/or the frozen beverage portion comprise the same beverage, eg cider or beer.

Liquid beverage and frozen beverage portions can be dispensed in any order. For example, the expelled frozen beverage portion may be dispensed into a container containing a liquid beverage portion. Dispensing the frozen beverage portion provides a layer of substantially frozen beverage - in the form of a beverage head - on top of the previously dispensed liquid beverage. Alternatively, the frozen beverage portion is drained into an empty container, and the liquid beverage portion is subsequently added. In this case, when the liquid beverage is dispensed, the frozen beverage portion will rise to the top of the container to form a beverage head. In yet another alternative, the frozen beverage portion is ejected into the container substantially simultaneously with the liquid beverage portion, or the frozen beverage portion is ejected into a partially dispensed liquid beverage portion (e.g., 70% of the liquid beverage portion volume), then dispense the remaining liquid beverage portion.

The liquid beverage portion and/or the frozen beverage portion may contain an alcohol content of 0.05%-14%, preferably 2%-8%.

The frozen beverage portion is preferably subjected to mechanical force to provide reduced size particles of the frozen beverage portion prior to dispensing into the container.

As used herein, the term "water-based beverage" is used to define a beverage that has a water component but also contains any number of other ingredients normally found in beverages. Water-based beverages may include any number of ingredients such as alcohol, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives and/or colours. Use of the term "ingredients" is not intended to cover minerals and/or other impurities naturally present in water.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing a beverage, the method comprising:

- dispensing the liquid portion of the beverage into the container; and

- Dispensing the frozen portion of the alcoholic beverage into the container.

Preferably, the liquid beverage portion comprises an alcoholic beverage, and preferably the liquid beverage portion and the frozen beverage portion are the same beverage, such as cider or beer.

Liquid beverage and frozen beverage portions can be dispensed in any order. For example, the expelled frozen beverage portion may be dispensed into a container containing a liquid beverage portion. Dispensing the frozen beverage portion provides a layer of substantially frozen beverage - in the form of a beverage head - on top of the previously dispensed liquid beverage. Alternatively, the frozen beverage portion is drained into an empty container, and the liquid beverage portion is subsequently added. In this case, when the liquid beverage is dispensed, the frozen beverage portion will rise to the top of the container to form a beverage head. In yet another alternative, the frozen beverage portion is ejected into the container substantially simultaneously with the liquid beverage portion, or the frozen beverage portion is ejected into a partially dispensed liquid beverage portion (e.g., 70% of the liquid beverage portion volume), then dispense the remaining liquid beverage portion.

The liquid beverage portion and/or the frozen beverage portion may contain an alcohol content of 0.05%-14%, preferably 2%-8%.

The frozen beverage portion is preferably subjected to mechanical force to provide reduced size particles of the frozen beverage portion prior to dispensing into the container.

Description of drawings

In order to more fully explain the invention, embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the right front side of a dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the left rear side of the dispensing device of Figure 1;

Figures 3-7 are partial internal views of the dispensing device of Figure 1, viewed from the left, with some exterior parts of the device removed, and showing the plunger in its dispensing position;

Figure 8 is a partial internal view of the right side of the dispensing device of Figure 1 showing another plunger in its rest position;

Fig. 9 shows the refrigeration equipment of the second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a freezing device and a dispensing device of a second embodiment of the present invention; and

11 and 12 show partial interior views of a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed ways

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8 , but primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the dispensing structure (dispensing apparatus) of the present invention is indicated generally at 1 . The dispensing structure 1 is provided with a clamping part 2 for clamping the dispensing structure 1 on the top of a bar (not shown), similar to the way other dispensing structures are arranged in bars and the like. The dispensing structure 1 is provided with a right side shell 3 , a left side shell 4 and a rear side shell 5 as seen from the front by the hypothetical customer at the bar. Mounted on and through the left side housing is a movable handle 6 for actuating the dispensing structure 1 . The operating handle 6 is an external component of the dispensing device 200, which will be explained in more detail below. The rear housing 5 is also provided with a dispensing chute 7 through which frozen beverages can be dispensed. A beverage freezing device, generally indicated by reference numeral 100 , is provided at the front upper area of the dispensing structure 1 . A liquid collector 8 in the form of a drip tray 8 is arranged at the front lower region of the distribution structure 1 . Empty the drip tray 8 by pulling it out from the front of the appliance. The (drip) pan may include one or two drains (not shown) along its rear side edge to allow excess liquid from the drip pan 8 to flow to another collector.

The left and right housings 4, 3 are aesthetic housing elements arranged on top of support plates 4A, 3A, respectively. The support plates 4A, 3A provide a solid support for the distribution structure 1 by means of various penetrating members, some of which are indicated by reference numeral 9 . In addition, the support plates 4A, 3A are fixed firmly to the clamping part 2 to provide a stable structure when the dispensing structure 1 is clamped on the bar top (not shown).

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in particular, the beverage freezing apparatus 100 comprises four cooling chambers having lower sections 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D and upper sections 105A, 105B, 105C, and 105D located in layered structural blocks. More or fewer cooling chambers can be provided as required. The layered structural blocks are delimited on the left and right by insulation structures 101 , isolating the cold chamber from the bearing plates 4A, 3A. Each cooling chamber is made of aluminum - although any good thermal conductor material will do, and is encased in a food grade low friction layer such as PTFE (Teflon ^™ ) to help distribute the heat from the cooling chamber Frozen drinks. The lower parts 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D of the four compartments are provided by five layer structures 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 , 150 . The leftmost and rightmost layer structures 110, 150 are in outermost contact with the insulation structure 101 and form only the outer sides of the lower part 102A, 102D, respectively, of a cooling chamber formed in the layer structure. inside. The three middle layer structures 120, 130, 140 form the outer sides of the lower part of the two cooling chambers on the left and right. Thus, combining the five layer structures in a structural block provides the lower parts 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D of four cooling chambers. The aluminum layer structures are machined to the desired shape, but can also be cast individually or as a single unit. The preferred shape of the cavity of the cooling chamber is substantially arcuate, but with a substantially rectangular cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the chambers of the cooling chambers 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D is smaller at the bottom of the cooling chamber - where the plunger 104 is at rest - than at the bottom of the cooling chambers 102A, 102B, 102B, 102C, 102D to facilitate the discharge of frozen product from the cooling chamber. Additionally, the substantially rectangular cross-section of the bore has rounded edges. This helps seal the plunger in the bore. The lower portions 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D of the cooling chambers are cooled by a Peltier element, generally indicated by reference numeral 103, connected to a heat exchanger - by connecting a portion of each cooling chamber 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D with The cooling plate (not shown) of the Peltier element is in direct contact. The heat exchanger 103 is water cooled using cooling water flowing through the main bar serpentine cooling system. Each cooling chamber is provided with a correspondingly shaped plunger 104 (movable base) which in its rest position provides a beverage seal at the bottom of the cooling chamber. Each plunger is provided with a correspondingly shaped O-ring seal member to assist in providing a beverage seal. Each cooling chamber has an upper portion 105A, 105B, 105C, 105D in the layered structural block through which the frozen beverage will be guided when dispensed. Likewise, the building block may be a single unit. The upper part is also provided by five layer structures 110A, 120A, 130A, 140A, 150A - in a similar manner to the layer structures 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, so their arrangement in the building blocks will not be detailed further. As before, the layer structures 110A, 120A, 130A, 140A, 150A are preferably made of aluminum and clad in PTFE (Teflon ^™ ). Alternatively, the structural blocks of the cold chamber may be a single polymer part. An insulating structure 106 is positioned between the layer structures 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 , 150 of the lower part and the layer structures 110A, 120A, 130A, 140A, 150A of the upper part. The isolation structure 106 has cavities corresponding to the location and shape of the lower and upper parts of the chamber and provides an isolated connection between the parts. Thus, an arched cavity having a rectangular cross-section is provided through each of the lower portions 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D of the cooling chamber, the isolation structure 106 and the respective upper portion 105A, 105B, 105C, 105D of the cooling chamber. each so that the piston 104 is free to move through the bore. It should also be understood that, in a preferred embodiment, each arcuate bore has a smaller cross-sectional area at the bottom of each cooling chamber (in the region where the plunger 104 is at rest) than at the top of each cooling chamber.

The section increases in both directions of the rectangular section, so all four walls move away from the plunger as it moves upwards.

Each cooling chamber has a feed pipe 107 installed in the upper part 105A, 105B, 105C, 105D. In this way, the feed pipe 107 is fed into the tank between the layers 110A, 120A, 130A, 140A, 150A of the upper part and enables a portion of the beverage to flow into and fall into the upper part 105A, 105B, 105C, 105D of each cooling chamber. into the lower part of the cooling chamber 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D, wherein the beverage is held in the cooling chamber by the plunger 104 from flowing out. A processor module (not shown), such as a computer, controls the operation of the supply tube 107 . In particular, the processor module controls the amount of beverage delivered through each supply tube 107 and the timing of the beverage delivery using, for example, standard pumps, valves and flow meters (not shown).

Near the end of the arcuate cavity formed by the upper part 105A, 105B, 105C, 105D, away from the lower part 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D of the cooling chamber, there is a mesh 108 through which the frozen beverage will be pressed. out to form size-reduced frozen beverage particles. Alternatively, the mesh 108 may be a grate, grate, or shut-off element. A dispensing chute 7 is positioned on the rear housing 5 to collect frozen beverage passing through the mesh 108 and direct it into a container.

Figures 4 to 8 show in particular a dispensing device 200 equipped with an operating handle 6, a plunger rod 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D for each plunger and a selection member 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D in the form of a solenoid, Said selection means are used to selectively connect the operating handle 6 to one of the plunger rods 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D. The operating handle 6 is fixedly mounted on a frame 204 holding the solenoids 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D. Solenoids 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D are also controlled by the processor module so that when one of the lower portions of the cooling chambers 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D contains a frozen beverage, that cooling chamber is selected for dispensing. However, if none of the solenoids 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D are selected, the handle 6 and frame 204 operate but no frozen beverage is dispensed. Thus, when the handle is pulled (rotated about the axis 203 of the cam), the handle 6 and frame 204 - including the solenoid - can be turned through an angle close to 90°. As shown in FIG. 7 , in particular, the movement of the operating handle 6 and the frame 204 is shown by arrow A. As shown in FIG. In the rest position, the operating handle 6 extends substantially vertically upwards relative to the distribution structure 1 and the shaft 203 , while the frame 204 extends substantially vertically downwards within the distribution structure 1 relative to the shaft 203 . When the handle is pulled, it can be rotated towards the user, as indicated by arrow A, and can cause a corresponding movement of frame 204 within structure 1, also indicated by arrow A, to reach the position shown in the figure. allocation location. Releasing the handle 6 enables the return movement of the handle 6 and the frame 204 to their respective rest positions. Each plunger rod 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D is independently rotatable about the axis of a shaft 203 at the end of the plunger rod and has straight and an arcuate portion of the rod. FIG. 8 shows in particular—using dispensing rod 201D as an example for all four dispensing rods—that at one end straight portion 205D is rotatable about the axis of shaft 203 . The other end forms a substantially 90° bend 206D from which the arcuate portion 207D extends. The curvature of the arcuate portion 207D is similar to the curvature of the cooling chambers 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D. The distal end of the arcuate portion 207D, away from the bend 206 , is connected to the plunger 104 . In the area of or around the bend 206D of the dispensing lever 201D there is provided a recess 208D into which a movable armature 209D of the solenoid 202D can move when the cooling chamber 102D is selected for dispensing . Dispensing lever 201D is rotatable about the axis of shaft 203 - in response to movement of operating handle 6, and this movement causes plunger 104 to move through the bore provided by cooling chamber 102D, isolation structure 106 and upper part 105D, from its rest position to its assigned location, approximately as indicated by arrow B. The other plunger rods 201A, 201B, 201C are arranged the same as the dispensing rod 201D and can be moved in a corresponding manner. At the same time, FIG. 7 shows the dispensing lever 201A in its dispensing position after a corresponding movement has taken place. Again, its motion is shown approximately by arrow B. Fig. 7 also shows that the cooling chamber lower portion 102A is selected for dispensing a frozen beverage by positioning the movable armature 209A of the solenoid 202A in the notch 208A of the dispensing rod 201A. It can be seen from the figure that the previous movement of the handle 6 and the frame 24 has taken place. Accordingly, a corresponding movement of the distribution rod 201A through the cooling chamber lower part 102A has taken place - as shown approximately by arrow B, said movement of the distribution rod 201A will push the plunger 104 through the cooling chamber 102A, the isolation structure 106 and the upper part 105A to distribute the frozen beverage from the dispensing device through the mesh 8.

In use, a beverage, especially cider or beer, is supplied to the dispensing structure 1 through a pipe from a storage area, eg a barrel (not shown) in a wine cellar located at the bar. Before the cider or beer reaches the dispensing structure 1 there may be one or more stages of cooling, eg the cider may be cooled and/or the beverage line may pass through a serpentine (cooling system). In addition, there may be a heat exchanger, such as a flash cooler, in the vicinity of the distribution structure 1 .

In front of or inside the dispensing structure 1, a beverage line (not shown) is branched to supply a liquid beverage portion and a beverage portion for freezing. The liquid beverage portion can be dispensed into the container via a dispensing device of the dispensing structure 1, such as a tap, or indeed via a tap of a separate dispensing structure (not shown). The portion of the beverage intended for freezing may be further condensed and then divided into four beverage streams, provided through supply pipe 107 . Each supply pipe 107 supplies beverage to the cooling chamber lower portion 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D according to predetermined settings provided by a processor module which controls the pumps and valves - and thus the timing and amount of beverage supplied into the cooling chamber. A quantity of the beverage portion for freezing is fed into the chamber lower portion 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D, wherein the beverage portion is frozen by contact of the beverage with the side wall of the chamber—the temperature of the side wall About -5° to -20°, preferably about -7° to -8°, provided by the Peltier element. The exact temperature depends on the beverage being dispensed, but must be below the beverage's freezing point. Freezing of beverages takes about 10 seconds to 30 minutes at a time. Once the beverage is frozen and the user wishes to dispense a portion, the frozen beverage portion is dispensed from the cooling chamber by operating the handle 6 . One of the solenoids 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D interacts with one of the piston rods 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D so that operation of the operating handle 6 causes one of the plunger rods 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D to move. The plunger rods 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D move the plunger 104 through the lower portion of the cooling chamber 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D, forcing the frozen beverage portion upwards, through the upper portion 105A, 105B, 105C, 105D, and once out of the upper portion, Through the web 108, it is captured here by the dispensing chute 7 and guided into the previously dispensed portion of the liquid beverage, where it rests in the glass.

Alternatively, the frozen beverage portion may be dispensed prior to, or simultaneously with, the liquid beverage portion.

Alternatively, the operation of the dispensing structure 1 may be automated, with the dispensing of one or both beverage portions being effected by the touch of one or more buttons.

9 to 12 show a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 shows a freezing structural block 100' in which six cooling chambers 102 are formed, each having an opening 301 through which a frozen beverage portion may be dispensed. The structural block is formed by casting, molding and machining a thermally conductive metal such as aluminum and may be covered with PTFE.

Each compartment 102 is arcuate with a radius of curvature increasing towards the opening. The section radially through the cabin is an isosceles trapezoid with two rounded sides. The cross-sectional area radially through the compartment increases towards the opening. The rounded corners and increased cross-sectional area towards the opening facilitate the dispensing of frozen beverages from the pod.

The chiller is a series of channels located in the freezing block through which a refrigerant such as water/glycol can be circulated. The channels are formed in the walls between the compartments. Refrigerant (supplied by an external cooler - not shown) enters the channel through inlet 308 and exits through outlet 307 after circulating through the channel around all walls of the cooling chamber 102 (see FIG. 10 ) to ensure Efficient and homogeneous freezing of beverages.

The freezing block 100' includes a conduit 304 leading to a discharge channel 305. When beverage is introduced into the cooling chamber 102, the beverage flows from the base of the chamber into the conduit 304 where it freezes into a frozen plug of the beverage. The freezing plug remains within the freezing block during the dispensing of the frozen beverage portion, so that during subsequent introduction of additional beverage for freezing into the compartment from which the frozen beverage portion has previously been dispensed, the freezing plug acts to prevent the beverage from being frozen. Drain the frozen block.

When it is time to clean the frozen structural block, the freezer plug of the beverage can be thawed by stopping the flow of refrigerant to allow water/cleaning to flow through the chamber 102, the tubing 304, and out of the frozen structural block through the drain channel 305.

As can be seen in Figure 10, the cryogenic block is housed within an insulating structure 306 (to) minimize heat gain from the surrounding environment and is closed by a plate 303 to seal the refrigerant passage. A coolant inlet 307 and an outlet 308 are provided in the plate 303 .

Figure 10 also shows the dispensing/expelling means for forcing the frozen beverage portion out of the cooling chamber. The dispensing/dispensing means is a single jaw plunger 104' mounted on a square shaft 309. The plunger is movable along a square axis by means of a positioner 310 mounted on a lead screw 311 . The plunger can be moved into alignment with either of the cooling chambers 102 (e.g. using a positioning motor controlled by a microcontroller), while at rest, i.e., when no frozen beverage portion dispensing is taking place, the plunger 104' remains substantially Located outside the cold compartment.

The plunger 104' also includes a beverage line 312 connected to a supply tube (not shown). The supply pipe supplies the cooling chamber with beverage for freezing via the plunger beverage line. A processor module (not shown), such as a computer, controls the operation of the supply tube. In particular, the processor module controls the amount of beverage delivered through the supply tube and the timing of the delivery using eg standard pumps, valves and flow meters (not shown). In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the beverage line connected to the supply tube is provided in the shifter 310 instead of the plunger. This arrangement may be advantageous in that the beverage supply may be at an angle (eg 30 degrees) to the vertical such that the beverage supply impinges on the side of the cold bulkhead. This will reduce the sparkling of the drink.

Figures 11 and 12 show how the piston is actuated. A gear mechanism is provided with a first gear 313 connected to the operating handle 6 and a second gear 314 connected to a square shaft 309 (not shown). When the operating handle 6 is pulled towards the user (the opening of the compartment approaches the user), the gear mechanism reverses the movement of the first gear 313, causing the square shaft 309 to pivot about the axis of the second gear 314, causing the plunger 104 'Swipe through the selected pod 102 to push the frozen beverage portion through the pod's opening 301.

In alternative embodiments, the mechanism for reversing the action of the operating handle to cause the piston to sweep across the cooling chamber may comprise a rod system and/or a belt system.

Each bay opening 301 is sealed by sealing means comprising a door 315 . In the rest position, ie when no frozen beverage dispensing is taking place, each door 315 rests against the respective opening 301 . Each door is pivotable such that during dispensing the door of the selected compartment from which the frozen beverage portion is to be dispensed is pivoted away from the opening of the compartment.

A biasing mechanism is provided to bias the doors against their respective openings in the rest position. The biasing mechanism includes a contact lever 316 in contact with the door 315 and a mounting portion 317 mounted on the second gear 314 .

When dispensing of the frozen beverage occurs, rotation of the second gear 314 (caused by rotation of the first gear 313 upon handle actuation) causes the contact lever 316 of the biasing mechanism to pivot away from the door 315 . In the absence of the biasing mechanism, the pressure of the frozen beverage portion on the door 315 (under the action of the plunger) forces the door open, as can be seen in FIG. 12 . Although Figure 12 shows all doors open, this will not occur; only the door of the compartment through which the plunger moves will open to allow the frozen beverage portion to be dispensed from that compartment.

In an alternative embodiment, a cam is provided on the plunger to partially open the door during dispensing.

When the operating handle 6 returns to its rest position, the return rotation of the second gear 314 will lift the plunger 104' and return it to its rest position, and will return the biasing mechanism to its rest position, the contact of the biasing mechanism Lever 316 closes the door of the pod from which beverage has been dispensed. When the plunger 104' returns to its rest position, beverage will be introduced into the now empty cooling chamber through the feed tube and beverage line.

Figure 12 also shows a mechanism for reducing the particle size of the frozen beverage portion. The mechanism includes a grate 108' across the opening 301 so that the plunger 104' forces the frozen beverage portion through the rod.

As the frozen beverage portion is forced out of the chamber through the grate, it is introduced through a chute (not shown) into a container, such as a drinking cup.

In use, a beverage, in particular cider or beer, is supplied to the dispensing device through a pipe from a storage area, such as a keg (not shown) in a wine cellar located at the bar. The cider or beer may undergo one or more stages of cooling before reaching the dispensing facility, for example, the wine cellar may be cooled and/or the beverage line may pass through a serpentine (cooling system). In addition, there may be a heat exchanger, such as a blast cooler, in the vicinity of the dispensing device.

In front of or inside the dispensing device, a beverage line (not shown) is branched to supply a liquid beverage portion and a beverage portion for freezing. The liquid beverage portion may be dispensed into the container through dispensing means of the dispensing device, such as a tap, or through the tap of a separate dispensing structure (not shown). The portion of the beverage intended for freezing may be further condensed and then fed into the cooling chamber 102 by a supply pipe via the beverage line 312 located within the plunger 104'. The feed pipe supplies beverage to the cooling chamber 102 according to predetermined settings provided by a processor module that controls the pump, valves - and thus the timing and amount of beverage supplied to the cooling chamber. A certain amount of beverage portion for freezing is fed into the cooling chamber 102, in which the beverage is frozen by contact of the beverage with the side walls of the cooling chamber - the flow of ethylene glycol refrigerant in the channel The resulting temperature of the sidewall is about -8°C. The exact temperature depends on the beverage being dispensed, but must be below the beverage's freezing point. Freezing of the beverage takes about 10 seconds to 30 minutes at a time, but more preferably takes about 8-10 minutes.

Once the beverage is frozen and the user wishes to dispense a portion, a frozen beverage portion is dispensed from the cooling chamber 102 by operating the operating handle 6 . As previously described, actuation of the handle causes the contact lever 316 of the biasing mechanism to pivot away from the door 315 and cause the piston 104' to sweep through the selected compartment 102 to push the frozen beverage portion through the grate 108' , the pressure of the frozen beverage portion forces the door open so that the frozen beverage portion can exit the compartment 102 through the opening, at which point the frozen beverage is captured by the dispensing chute and directed into the previously dispensed liquid beverage portion, resting in the glass/ in the container.

Alternatively, the frozen beverage portion may be dispensed prior to, or simultaneously with, the liquid beverage portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the flow of glycol can be stopped without dispensing from the or each chamber taking place, so that the temperature of the walls of the cold chamber is raised slightly, for example to -4°C, to avoid The frozen beverage portion becomes too solidified to be dispensed.

Advantageously, the operation of the dispensing device can be automated, with the dispensing of one or both beverage portions being effected by the touch of one or more buttons.

Although the device is described as being particularly suitable for dispensing chilled cider or beer into cider or beer, the device may also be used for other alcoholic beverages such as beer, including lagers, lagers and stouts , non-fermented spirits, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic mixed drinks.

Claims (49)

1. be used to distribute the equipment of chilled beverage part, this equipment comprises:

Be used for freezing a part of beverage so that the device of chilled beverage part to be provided; And

Be used for distributing the device of chilled beverage part to container.

2. equipment according to claim 1 also comprises the device that is used for distributing to container liquid beverage part.

3. equipment according to claim 2 is characterized in that, the described device that is used for to container dispense liquid beverages part is mounted in the tap on the top portion distribution structure of bar desk.

4. according to claim 1,2 or 3 described equipment, it is characterized in that the described device that is used for freezing a part of beverage is one or more cold cabins of being cooled off by cooling device.

5. equipment according to claim 4 is characterized in that, the described device that is used for freezing a part of beverage is a plurality of cold cabins.

6. equipment according to claim 5 is characterized in that, each cold cabin is sized to and is used for freezing a part of beverage, enough is used for the only chilled beverage part of single distribution to form.

7. according to claim 4,5 or 6 described equipment, it is characterized in that described or each cold cabin has the chilled beverage part can be by the opening that wherein is discharged from.

8. equipment according to claim 7 is characterized in that, described or each opening is provided with containment member, with sealed open.

9. equipment according to claim 8 also comprises biasing device, so that containment member is towards the opening bias voltage.

10. according to each described equipment among the claim 4-9, it is characterized in that described or each cold cabin is an arch.

11. equipment according to claim 10 is characterized in that, described or each cold cabin has chilled beverage part can be by the opening that wherein is discharged from, and the radius of curvature in described cold cabin increases towards opening.

12., it is characterized in that radially the section by described or each cold cabin is a circle, rectangle or isosceles trapezoid according to claim 10 or 11 described equipment.

13. equipment according to claim 12 is characterized in that, radially the section by cold cabin increases towards opening.

14., it is characterized in that the inboard in described one or more cold cabins is coated in the low friction layer according to each described equipment among the claim 4-13.

15., it is characterized in that described cooling device is the channel system that is used to carry cryogen according to each described equipment among the claim 4-14.

16., it is characterized in that described to be used for distributing the device of chilled beverage part be at least one element that is used for mechanically applying to the chilled beverage in one or more cold cabins power according to each described equipment among the claim 4-15.

17. equipment according to claim 16 is characterized in that, each cold cabin is provided with special element.

18. equipment according to claim 17 is characterized in that, is provided with the discrete component that can move between a plurality of cold cabins.

19. equipment according to claim 16 is characterized in that, each element forms the movable base portion in its cold cabin separately.

20., it is characterized in that described element is pivotable plunger according to claim 17 or 18 described equipment.

21., it is characterized in that the described device that is used to distribute the chilled beverage part also comprises the device of the particle that reduces size that is used to provide the chilled beverage part according to each described equipment among the claim 1-20.

22. equipment according to claim 21 is characterized in that, described to be used to provide the device of the particle that reduces size be grid, grate or net.

23., it is characterized in that the described device that is used for freezing a part of beverage and describedly be used to distribute the device of chilled beverage part to be contained in a distribution structure according to each described equipment among the claim 2-22.

24. equipment according to claim 23 is characterized in that, described distribution structure also comprises the device of dispense liquid beverages part.

25., it is characterized in that the described device that is used for dispense liquid beverages part and chilled beverage part is closely located mutually according to each described equipment among the claim 2-24, need not mobile containers so that two kinds of beverages partly all can be assigned with.

26. an equipment that is used to distribute beverage, this equipment is as described in the arbitrary embodiment that describes with reference to the accompanying drawings in the literary composition.

27. a method that is used to distribute the chilled beverage part, this method comprises:

One or more cold cabins of being cooled off by cooling device are provided;

Supply with a part of beverage at least one cold cabin;

Freezing this part beverage is to provide at least one chilled beverage part; And

One chilled beverage part is discharged from its cold cabin.

28. method according to claim 27 comprises a plurality of cold cabins are provided.

29. method according to claim 28 is characterized in that, each cold cabin is sized to and is used for freezing a part of beverage, enough is used for the only chilled beverage part of single distribution to form.

30., comprise to described or each cold cabin providing the chilled beverage part can be by the opening that wherein is discharged from according to claim 26,27 or 28 described methods.

31. method according to claim 30 comprises to described or each opening one containment member is provided, with sealed open.

32. method according to claim 31 also comprises biasing device is provided, so that described containment member is towards the opening bias voltage.

33., comprise the cold cabin that one or more arches are provided according to each described method among the claim 27-32.

34. method according to claim 33 comprises to described or each cold cabin providing the chilled beverage part can be by the opening that wherein is discharged from, and comprises to one or more cold cabins one radius of curvature towards the cold cabin that opening increases is provided.

35. according to claim 33 or 34 described methods, comprise one or more cold cabins are provided that wherein, radially the section by described cold cabin is a circle, rectangle or isosceles trapezoid.

36. method according to claim 35 comprises one or more cold cabins are provided that wherein, radially the section by described cold cabin increases towards opening.

37. according to each described method among the claim 27-36, comprise one or more cold cabins are provided that described cold cabin is coated with a low friction layer on the side within it.

38., comprise providing one to be used to carry the channel system of cryogen as cooling device according to each described method among the claim 27-37.

39. according to each described method among the claim 27-38, comprise and use at least one element to discharge the chilled beverage part that this element is used for mechanically that the chilled beverage to one or more cold cabins applies power.

40., comprise and use special element to discharge the chilled beverage part according to the described method of claim 39.

41., comprise that the discrete component that use can be moved discharges the chilled beverage part between a plurality of cold cabins according to the described method of claim 40.

42. according to the described method of claim 40, comprise and use a special element to discharge the chilled beverage part that this special element forms the movable base portion in its cold cabin separately.

43., comprise and use a pivotable plunger to discharge the chilled beverage part as described element according to claim 40 or 41 described methods.

44., comprise the particle size that reduces the chilled beverage part according to each described method among the claim 27-43.

45., comprise and use grid, grate or net to reduce particle size according to the described method of claim 44.

46., comprise the device that is provided for the dispense liquid beverages part according to each described method among the claim 27-45.

47., comprise described one or more cold cabins and the described device that is used for the dispense liquid beverages part are contained in a distribution structure according to the described method of claim 46.

48. a method that is used to distribute beverage, this method are substantially as described in the arbitrary embodiment that describes with reference to the accompanying drawings in the literary composition.

49. a beverage dispensing system comprises:

Be used for one or more structures to container dispense liquid beverages part and chilled beverage part; And

To the liquid beverage source of supply of one or more structures, this liquid beverage source of supply can be separated to provide a liquid beverage part and a part to be used for freezing so that the beverage of chilled beverage part to be provided;

Wherein, liquid beverage part and chilled beverage part can be assigned in the container.

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